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Cato Reports August Same-store Sales Flat

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported sales for the four weeks ended August 25, 2012 of $62.1 million, a 2% increase over sales of $60.6 million for the four week period ended August 27, 2011. Same-store sales in August were flat to the prior year.

Sales for the thirty weeks ended August 25, 2012 were $566.4 million, flat to sales of $565.7 million for the thirty weeks ended August 27, 2011. The Company's year-to-date same-store sales decreased 2%.

"August same-store sales were within our range of expectations and given the continuing economic and political situation, we remain cautious in regard to the remainder of the year," commented John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

During the month of August, the Company opened new stores in Mobile, AL; Woodhaven, MI and Norfolk, VA. The Company also relocated a store in Port St. Lucie, FL. As of August 25, 2012, the Company operated 1,298 stores in 31 states, compared to 1,285 stores in 31 states as of August 27, 2011.

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced fashion apparel and accessories operating three concepts, "Cato," "Versona" and "It's Fashion." The Company's Cato stores offer exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day. Versona is a unique fashion destination offering accessories and apparel including jewelry, handbags and shoes at exceptional prices every day. It's Fashion offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles for the entire family at low prices every day. Additional information on The Cato Corporation is available at www.catocorp.com.

Statements in this press release not historical in nature including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expected or estimated financial results and any related assumptions are considered "forward-looking" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; the Company's ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel buying patterns; adverse weather conditions and inventory risks due to shifts in market demand and other factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K, as amended or supplemented, and in other reports the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The Company is not responsible for any changes made to this press release by wire or Internet services.